Newfoundland and Labrador Traffic Control Course: Lessons 2026

Lesson 1: The traffic control rules in Newfoundland and Labrador

In Newfoundland and Labrador, two sets of rules shape traffic control at road work. The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012 (Part XVI, sections 373 to 375) set the legal duties of employers and workers. The provincial Traffic Control Manual, published by the transportation department, shows how work zones are signed and how a flagperson does the job. The regulations call this person a traffic control person (TCP). Both words mean the same job.

What the regulations say

• Where moving traffic is a hazard to workers, effective traffic control must be provided (s. 373(2)).
• A TCP must be used where the Traffic Control Specification calls for one, or where an OHS officer requires one (s. 374(1)).
• An OHS officer may require extra or different traffic control procedures and equipment (s. 373(4)).

The Traffic Control Manual was revised in August 2018 and took effect on April 1, 2019. The department also publishes Section 715, Flagperson Operations (March 2022). It sets out when flagpersons are needed on provincial road work and how they work.

Lesson 2: Certification comes first

This is the most important rule for any guard who is asked to flag. Under section 374(5) of the OHS Regulations, a person must not work as a traffic control person unless they have completed a traffic control training program prescribed by WorkplaceNL (the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission).

• Training is given by WorkplaceNL-approved training providers, using approved trainers.
• Programs mix theory and hands-on practice and end with a written or oral exam.
• Level 1 (Traffic Control Person) is the program for people who do flagging.
• Level 2 (Traffic Control Planner) is voluntary and covers planning set-ups. A valid Level 1 certificate is needed first.
• Recertification is required every three years. The certificate holder is responsible for registering for it.
• The official record is kept in WorkplaceNL's Certification Training Registry.

Lesson 3: Clothing and equipment

Section 81 of the OHS Regulations says workers exposed to moving vehicles or heavy equipment must wear clothing with highly visible material that suits daytime or night-time use. The Traffic Control Manual sets the minimum kit for a flagperson:

Flags may not be used to control traffic. The manual defines night as the time from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise. After dark, all signs must be checked to make sure drivers can see them.

Section 715 says flagpersons may not use cellphones during hours of operation unless there is an emergency. They also may not use audio or video devices, earphones or anything else that could impair sight, hearing or attention.

Lesson 4: Where to stand and how to signal

Section 374(2) of the regulations says a TCP must stand in a safe position, be clearly visible, have an unobstructed view of approaching traffic, and be at least 25 metres from the work area, unless an intersection or lack of space means otherwise. The manual and Section 715 add these rules:

• Stand outside the active lane, usually on the shoulder.
• Stand alone. Do not let a group of workers gather around you.
• Step onto the driver's side only after more than one vehicle has stopped, to check the line of cars or the sightlines, and never if traffic in the next lane could hit you. Go back to the shoulder before you release traffic.
• Stay on duty until relieved, even at mealtime, while traffic cannot flow freely.
• Do not start flagging until all required advance signs are in place.

Daytime signals (Section 715)

At night, the stop signal uses the reflective paddle and the red baton flashlight. The free arm moves slowly back and forth between the 3 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions of a clock face. The order to go ahead may also be given verbally.

Lesson 5: Teamwork, delays and the limits of your role

When two or more TCPs work together, one person is responsible for traffic co-ordination and starts each change of direction (s. 374(3)). Before flagging begins, the methods of communication must be agreed and understood by everyone using them (s. 375(1)). If flagpersons cannot see each other, the manual calls for an extra flagperson in between or two-way radios.

Section 715 sets minimum numbers. For example, at least two flagpersons are needed when traffic in both directions is diverted, at a major detour, and at a signalized intersection. On local roads, the number also depends on how far you can see down the oncoming lane:

In normal work, traffic should not be held for more than five minutes in each direction. In heavy traffic, delays should be shared evenly.

Know the limits of your role

Under section 34 of the Private Investigation and Security Services Act, a security guard has no more powers than any member of the public, and must not act as a police officer or claim to provide police services. On a public road, traffic is directed by police or by certified TCPs working inside a proper traffic control set-up. If you are not certified and are asked to direct traffic on a public road, say no and tell your supervisor. If police arrive and take over, follow their directions.

Drivers have duties too. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary reminds drivers that fines are doubled in construction zones and that flagpersons are workers whose safety depends on drivers slowing down.